How many times have you been stopped and searched for a weapon? You should consider that when it comes to protecting yourself. Avoid places that might have metal detectors and you should never get caught. An assisted opening knife is not a bad choice as long as it is carried in an accessible place. I once fashioned a shiv out of plastic that was about a one sixteenth of an inch thick and had it hid in the sleeve of my jacket. A gun is the best, but there are plenty of other things that can help a person out. I also have a one inch diameter oak dow that is about 30 inches long that I keep in my truck. Wasp and hornet spray works darn well and gives you more range than most pepper sprays, and it is a good thing to keep in your office. Nail guns are a good choice for the office. A small ball ping hammer can do some damage to an attacker.
The point is that there are many things other than guns to use to defend oneself. But I know that most people who carry a gun without a permit will never be caught.
No one can avoid this stuff anymore; it’s coming out of the ghetto and into the better areas and the nice places. It’s hitting the trendy places that a lot of gays hang around and certainly are beginning to mob the upscale malls/stores.